Time off sick

Stay in touch with your manager, so they know how you’re doing and if your illness is lasting longer than expected. Your manager will record your absence on our admin system, SAP.

When you get back to work, catch up with your manager. They will tell you anything you’ve missed, and you can explain about your illness and any underlying factors. They will then fill in a return to work discussion form.

• Return to Work Form: Up to 7 Days Off
• Return to Work Form: More than 7 Days Off

Try and arrange doctor and dentist appointments outside work hours, but if not then try to be off work for no more than an hour. If you need to take longer, talk to your manager first and they may agree extra time if you need it.

To start with you’ll be paid as normal when you’re off ill. How long you’ll continue to be paid depends on how long you’ve worked at the council.

If you’re ill for longer than 28 days, it’s considered long term illness. We’ll need to find out more about your illness and then see how we can help you back to work.

Everyone gets ill from time to time, but if it happens too often it can become a problem.

All days off sick are recorded so we can pick up on this. You’ll need to meet your manager to discuss your illness if:

• You’re off ill more than three times in a 6-month period
• Your time off ill has a noticeable pattern, for example if it always happens around weekends or special occasions.

Full details on time off sick are in our Health and Attendance Policy. Additional information can be found in our Health and Attendance Guidance.